5 natural ways to treat bunions that don't require surgery

Sheree Mcdonald

Contributing Writer

Remedy Daily / Remedy Daily

Bunions. Just the word makes you want to stuff your feet under a table. If you are fortunate enough to have no idea what we’re talking about, consider yourself lucky. Bunions are bony humps that form on the outside of the big toe. Not only are bunions unsightly, but due to the shift of your body weight onto your toe, they can also be quite painful.

Bunions can be a cause of discomfort and embarrassment. As soon as one forms you are likely to be searching for ways to remove it. Let’s talk about what a few natural remedies to treat bunions effectively.

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How Do Bunions Form?In order to understand how you should treat bunions, you should first learn how they form. According to Web MD, there are a few reasons you may get a bunion. Sometimes, they happen simply because of genetics. If your parents have bunions, you are at a higher risk of developing them yourself. Sometimes, bunions develop as a side effect of arthritis. However, women are particularly at high risk for developing bunions due to wearing shoes that push the foot into an unnatural shape.1. Red PepperRed pepper does more than flavor food. According to Find Home Remedy, red pepper can also be used to treat the pain associated with bunions. Capsaicin found in red pepper works as a natural pain reliever. Cut a pepper in half and rub the juices directly on the bunion.2. Cabbage LeavesDIY Health Remedy suggests using cabbage leaves to relieve bunions. Cabbage has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce the swelling commonly brought on by bunions. To remove the bunion thoroughly, lay the cabbage leaves directly on the bunion and cover with a mesh or cloth overnight Repeat this process for a few months and the bunion will disappear.

3. Epsom SaltThe magnesium found in Epsom salt not only helps relieve pain but also reduces swelling. A 20-minute soak in hot water with a cup of Epsom salt can help curb the symptoms associated with bunions.

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4. Proper FootwearWhile there are certainly some home products that can help with bunions, Cleveland Clinic insists that proper footwear is key to avoiding bunions altogether. Forcing your feet into shoes that are too small will only increase your chances of developing bunions overtime. Make sure your shoes are comfortable and opt for a shoe store to measure your feet for an accurate fit.5. Chamomile Bunions can be very painful, and the swelling can make matters even worse. Earth Clinic reminds us about the soothing properties of Chamomile. It works as an anti-inflammatory to reduce swelling and pain. Simply drink a cup of chamomile tea and place the spent bags directly on the bunion for faster relief.